Chapter Two: The Tip of the Iceberg
A/N: First of all, I'd like to thank my reviewers. You guys are awesome! Thank you for your thoughts and comments. And as I've said a hundred times to those who know me well enough, I appreciate the time you take and the effort you put into reading and reviewing my fiction! =D
Pouncival sat by the stream; watching the rapid flow of the water hurry over the pebbles and stones that lined the bottom.
I knew they were together! But why did she tell me so bluntly? And then to question my excitement? Why would I be excited about her going off with some other tom? I thought she would suspect my feelings for her. I thought she might feel it too . . .
I guess not. I guess I'll never be good enough, especially not for her. She's got Alonzo! How can I compare to Alonzo? Next to him, I look like some feeble wimp.
What am I thinking? I do not need her! I can get whatever queen I desire! But . . . she's the one I desire . . .
*~*~*
Jemima watched the faint breeze brush over the blades of grass while she sat under the shade of the Maple tree. The birds chirped merrily within the branches above her. The weather was normal for mid-spring. But her mood was considerably gloomy compared to the positive attitude of Mother Nature. Her eyes peered into the distance without truly seeing as she was currently lost in deep thought. Her tail flicked absentmindedly on the ground beside her.
I shouldn't have been so abrupt. I shouldn't have told him like that. I know I hurt his feelings, I could tell just by looking at his face. He must think of me as some terrible person. Now look what I've done . . . I've probably spoiled our friendship. And for what? Some stupid dare . . .
I should definitely go apologize for my rudeness. He deserves it. I would hate for this to come between us. I'm sure if I explained perhaps he would understand. There's only one way to find out, and I plan on doing so.
Jemima gets up from her trance-like sitting position and hurries off to find Pouncival.
*~*~*
Pouncival returned to the Junkyard and plopped sulkily on the tire. He rested his chin on his fist, letting his lower lip press against the top one. His thoughts were filled with all things Jemima when a deep voice disturbed his concentration.
"Hey there, Pouncy boy." Her voice was like no others. There was a specific velvet tone that he did not recognize before. It alarmed him somehow, but enough to startle him, just to focus his attention on her.
She sat next to him without invitation, wrapping her tail around his neck like a scarf, the tip of it teasing his nose as it went. He wrinkled his nose and fought the urge to sneeze. She talked again in that seductive voice, "So what are you doing out here with nobody to keep you company? You must be lonely not having a feline to talk to."
Pouncival looked at her, his eyes studying her expression for the first time. He picked up on the clever grin playing on her mouth and the suspicious twinkle in her eyes. "Hey Bomba, just what kind of scheme are you trying to pull here?" he declared with realization.
"Oh, no scheme. I just thought you might like some company. I know I do." She batted her eyelashes innocently.
"Well I don't, so just go find somebody else to pester!" he told her firmly.
"Well, since you're not in the best of moods right now, I'll go take a nap in my den. But if you change your mind Pouncy, you know where to find me." she winked, punching him playfully on the shoulder. Uncurling her tail from around his neck, she hopped off the tire, sashaying her hips while she sauntered off, knowing his eyes would be watching. And although Pouncival tried not to allow his eyes to become fixated, he couldn't help himself but gaze with temptation.
Jemima appeared on the other side of the Junkyard. Pouncival hadn't noticed her arrival. She observed the situation from her spot in the distance. She followed Pouncival's line of vision and her mouth fell open in astonishment. And to think I was about to apologize!
Bombalurina turned around and waved flirtatiously at the gawping Pouncival. She even decided to blow him a kiss.
Why should I be bothered by this? It's not like Pouncival and I are the ones dating. But still, he's always showed this interest in me that even Etcetera and Victoria noticed. And to think now that it was never true! It's been in my mind as some sort of sweet admiration that I . . . well . . . just thought would be there forever. Now it feels almost tainted; stained by false entitlement. What was once so innocent and pure now seems shattered by lies and misinterpretation.
Don't be a blind sighted fool, Jemima. I bet he's had eyes on that ruby temptress for the longest time now!
Well, Pouncival, two can play at that game . . .
A/N: So how am I doing? Constructive criticism welcome.
Hopefully the next chapter will be up soon. I have not written it yet, but I plan to. And I'm sure some motivating reviews would increase the speed of the process –hint-. ;)